New Pet? 7 Questions to Ask Your Family Veterinarian

As a new pet owner you'll want to get to know your new veterinarian quickly and easily. Most importantly, you'll want your veterinarian to get to know your new pet.

Include questions on your checklist for vet visits. You can make sure your veterinarian is a good partner for your family and ready to help you provide the best life possible for your new pet.

Asking your vet questions will help your vet help your pets better. You'll show your interest in creating and maintaining a good home for your pet and learn more from your vet during visits when the right questions are asked.

Remember to ask about exercise requirements, nutrition suggestions, vaccination timetables, grooming needs, care tips, and dental care that may be needed. You should also learn about the veterinarian's familiarity with your type of pet, and what options are available for emergency care - before you need it!

Your new family member may be furry with whiskers and a tail, or have scales, hooves or even wings. If you're the proud new owner of a new pet, chances are you'll have best results integrating your new pet into your family when you include a veterinarian on your team.

"Having a new pet isn't like having a new toy," cautions your veterinarian. "It's just like having a kid. Some people get animals without knowing what they really need. There may be tests and vaccines the animal needs. You have to be sure the pet gets everything it needs, so seek an experienced veterinarian."

Problems can occur early during your pet's integration with your family, including any existing pets. Your veterinarian can help you with this. You will want to discuss foods, overfeeding and underfeeding, activity levels and exercise needs, vaccinations and dental care early in your role as new pet owner.

The earlier these issues are discussed with your vet the greater the likelihood that a pet's specific needs and overall good health will be met. Consider an open conversation with the veterinarian you plan to use as your wellness consultant. Write down your questions and bring them with you to your initial and future visits. Remember to include these important questions during an initial "interview" with your veterinarian:

What experience do you have with pets like mine?

What other types of pets do you care for?

Can you advise me on the best way to care for my pet?

What vaccination schedule do you suggest and why?

What dental and grooming habits do you suggest and why?

What food and nutrition recommendations would you make for my pet? What daily calorie intake and exercise routine does my pet require for optimum health?

Do you provide round-the-clock emergency care and if not, can you recommend someone and provide me with their contact information?

Asking your new veterinarian specific questions like those above will help you focus your visit and achieve specific results during the visit. Having written questions before a visit can help you remember them in order to get the information you need the first time.

If you would like to schedule a check-up with one of our veterinarians, call us today to make an appointment!